Burlington welcomes two new businesses

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BURLINGTON, N.C. -- Two companies had major announcements Wednesday about their facilities in Burlington, N.C.

Sheetz, the gas station and convenience store chain, celebrated the grand opening of its distribution center in Burlington. It is only the second distribution center nationwide for the company, which is based in Altoona, Pa.

The facility will employ approximately 300 people and supply food and beverages to about 120 locations.

A few miles away, Honda Aero marked the beginning of its production of jet engines certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Burlington's Honda Aero plant is the first new plant in to be certified by the FAA in the United States in 20 years.

Honda Aero plans to employ 70 workers initially and expand its workforce as it expands production. Many of the plant's workers graduated from Alamance Community College. As a means of appreciation, Honda's CEO and President announced it would give $50,000 to the college.

Governor Pat McCrory attended both events. He credits businesses coming to North Carolina to financial incentives, relatively low cost of living and high quality of life.

He says it's a great day to be in North Carolina -- especially Alamance County.

"North Carolina's economy is on a comeback," he said. "Two major announcements in one day. And they're a continuation of announcements in Alamance County where manufacturing has come back to North Carolina. And Alamance County is leading the way for manufacturing."